A Decade of Arsenal, Ajax, and the Other Academy-Based Clubs

We have entered a new decade at a time of global economic meltdown with a good number of clubs in debt. Michel Platini's plan to have European clubs spend what they earn (and not what they borrow) means that clubs like Ajax and Arsenal could thrive in the new decade.

Ajax's tradition of producing great players from their academy is probably unmatched in the last four decades. Arsenal on the other hand has an urbane coach who really wants to turn the club into a brand name in world football.

He started this by getting the English powerhouse to play good football (no more 1-0 to the Arsenal). Over the years, their brand of football has won them a lot of neutrals and soccer romantics who liken their football to poetry in motion.

Most importantly, like the graduates of the Ajax and Barcelona academies, the Arsenal academy graduates now play in the "Arsenal way" giving the game a new phrase. The likes of Wilshire, Eastmond, Gibbs, and Ramsay have the pedigree to become soccer greats. The recent acquisition of the young Brazilian Wellington Silva at 16 years is another piece of good business.

It has been said that the rise of any nation or club (my addition) as a major force coincides with the emergence of great players. I expect the gunners to be a major European force this decade with a team that will peak in a couple of years.

The French clubs are currently doing well in Europe on comparatively smaller budgets, due in large part to their African contingents,well run academies and a style of football that emphases skill and technique. Expect them to improve more if Platini gets his way.

The top Spanish and Italian clubs could be adversely affected by Platini's plan as they rely on expensive foreign players to give their teams the cutting edge in Europe. From where can Barca get midfielders in the class of the ageing Xavi and Inesita when they retire.

The Barca academy is still productive with the likes of Busquets and Messi, but players like the duo are generational players. On the other hand, Real Madrid 's academy graduates seem to have dried up.

German clubs, where something similar to Platini's rule has been in place, I would expect to thrive. Where does this leave the likes of Chelsea and Manchester city? Atrophy or glory years? Time will tell.